Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- uplifting
- sincere
- spirited
- feel good movie night
- dance movie marathon
What critics said
Critics found Antonio Banderas charismatic and the dance sequences captivating, but considered the classroom transformation story overly familiar and predictable.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Pierre Dulaine volunteers to teach detained public-school students and confronts resistance from students, parents, and teachers.
Ballroom instruction becomes the means for Pierre and the students to build trust, dignity, teamwork, and mutual respect.
The narrative culminates in the students accepting a ballroom dance contest, with dance sequences serving as major visual set pieces.
Pierre persists despite prejudice and student hostility until the group develops self-confidence and commits to competition.
Films like Take the Lead, and why
Stand and Deliver
Shares the classroom parable structure, disadvantaged students, inspirational teacher, and socially conscious drama.
Lean on Me
Shares an idealistic educator challenging institutional prejudice through a troubled student group and a familiar feel-good arc.
Save the Last Dance
Shares youth dance training, energetic performance sequences, and a competition-driven coming-of-age drama.
Mad Hot Ballroom
Shares ballroom dance instruction, cross-cultural connection, and an uplifting ensemble competition framework.
Movie Details
- Director
- Liz Friedlander
- Release Date
- 2006-03-17
- Runtime
- 118 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (762)
Cast
- Antonio Banderas
- Rob Brown
- Yaya DaCosta
- Alfre Woodard
- John Ortiz
- Laura Benanti
- Katya Virshilas
- Jenna Dewan
- Jasika Nicole
- Jo Chim
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Take the Lead about?
- A gracious ballroom instructor turns a detention class of skeptical New York teenagers into a team by making dance a language of dignity and trust.
- What is Take the Lead like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Take the Lead as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Take the Lead violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Take the Lead.
- What did critics think of Take the Lead?
- Critics found Antonio Banderas charismatic and the dance sequences captivating, but considered the classroom transformation story overly familiar and predictable.
- Which films are like Take the Lead?
- Films with a similar feel include Stand and Deliver, Lean on Me, Save the Last Dance, and Mad Hot Ballroom.
- How long is Take the Lead?
- Take the Lead runs 118 minutes.
- Where can I watch Take the Lead?
- In United States, Take the Lead streams on Howdy Amazon Channel.
